iGaming Revenue Trends: Pennsylvania’s Growth Signals a Massive Shift as Gamblers Lose $601 Million

Pennsylvania gaming revenue hit a record high in May 2025
Gamblers in the Keystone State lost $601.8 million last month
iGaming continues to experience growth

Pennsylvania’s gaming sector achieved remarkable success in May 2025, highlighted by a record-breaking loss for gamblers totaling over $601 million. This impressive figure serves as a powerful indicator of surging iGaming revenue, underscoring an accelerating trend where the escalating popularity and widespread adoption of digital platforms are driving unprecedented financial growth across the state.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently announced that May 2025 was the most successful month in the state’s gaming history.

Gross gaming revenue (GGR)—the amount retained by the 17 physical casinos, online gaming platforms, sportsbooks, video gaming terminals, and fantasy sports—totaled over $601.8 million. This represented a nearly 16% increase from the previous year, equating to an additional $80.8 million.

May marked a historic first, where GGR exceeded $600 million. This surge surpasses the previous high set in March 2025, when GGR was $574.5 million.

In terms of national rankings, Pennsylvania’s GGR of $601.8 million places it third in the country, trailing only New Jersey, which reported $614.6 million in GGR, while Nevada has yet to disclose its numbers but is expected to exceed $1.2 billion.

iGaming Powers Record

May proved to be beneficial for multiple gaming verticals in Pennsylvania, including retail slots, retail tables, iGaming slots, iGaming tables, iGaming poker, sports betting, video gaming terminals (VGTs), and fantasy sports. However, there were slight declines in some areas:

Fantasy sports contest fees dropped by 5%, resulting in $1.1 million.
Retail table revenue saw a decrease of 4.5% to $79.9 million.
VGT revenues dipped by 0.08%, totaling $3.7 million.

Conversely, retail slot revenue ascended by 5%, reaching $224.8 million. Notably, oddsmakers retained 34% more, accumulating $59.4 million.

Online gaming significantly contributed to the record month—online slots generated revenues of $177.2 million, marking a substantial 40% increase from May 2024. Online table gaming rose by 18% to $52.9 million, while poker rake increased by 21% to $2.7 million.

The combined iGaming revenue of $232.8 million represented an increase of nearly $58.8 million compared to May 2024.

Skill Game Insights

Despite the impressive performance of Pennsylvania’s gaming sector, it has sparked discussions around the regulation of skill games—operations that resemble slots but require player interaction to determine outcomes. Currently, these skill games are exempt from Pennsylvania’s gaming laws.

Legislation is under consideration to formally legalize skill games, which are commonly found in pubs, cafes, and convenience stores throughout the state. Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed support for the legalisation, as it could generate additional tax revenue.

While the regulated casino industry is thriving, ongoing discussions regarding skill games are vital, especially considering the estimated 67,000 unregulated skill games that operate in Pennsylvania.

With record revenues being reported by the regulated gaming industry, the casino lobby’s argument that skill games siphon customers from traditional casinos may lose credibility.

Summary

In summary, Pennsylvania’s gaming revenue in May 2025 showcased an exceptional milestone within the industry. While gamblers faced losses totaling over $601 million, the growth of online gaming (iGaming) and traditional gaming methods is promising for the state’s financial future. As discussions on regulating skill games continue, the landscape for Pennsylvania’s gaming industry remains dynamic and full of potential.